Half-time: QPR 0 Wigan 1

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QPR must produce a second-half comeback to keep their promotion dream alive after James Perch put Wigan ahead in the play-off clash at Loftus Road.

Level at 0-0 from first leg and with the home crowd hoping for a repeat of the famous play-off triumph against Oldham 11 years ago, the scene was set for an early barrage from Harry Redknapp’s side.

Instead they found themselves behind after only nine minutes after a defensive lapse involving two of their most consistent performers.

Nedum Onuoha was slow to close down James McClean and the Irishman’s left-wing cross was snapped up by Perch, who got in front of Clint Hill to score from close range.

Rangers continued to look shaky at the back but began to create openings at the other end, with Niko Kranjcar forcing a save from keeper Scott Carson and Gary O’Neil shooting wide before a Joey Barton corner almost led to an equaliser.

Charlie Austin’s header from Barton’s delivery was cleared off the line by McClean, with the ball then striking Onuoha and bouncing wide.

Redknapp opted not to start with Ravel Morrison, who is among the QPR substitutes.

QPR (4-4-1-1): Green; Simpson, Onuoha, Dunne, Hill; Doyle; Barton, O’Neil, Hoilett; Kranjcar; Austin.
Subs: Murphy, Henry, Yun, Benayoun, Zamora, Hughes, Morrison.

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